With confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and France, and all Britons being told to leave China if possible, what is the situation for those in the Channel Islands? We’ve rounded up the advice from the Jersey, Guernsey and UK governments to tell you what you need to know about coronavirus and its risks.
If you are returning from mainland China now:
The UK government has introduced advanced monitoring at airports with direct flights from China. A team of public health experts has been established in Heathrow to support anyone travelling in from China who feels unwell. This is in addition to medical staff who are already permanently in place at all UK airports and the advice issued to all UK airports for people travelling to and from China.
Frontline staff have been alerted to increase awareness of the situation and any action they need to take. China has also introduced port-of-exit screening so people already exhibiting symptoms are not allowed to leave the country.
If you have returned from mainland China in the last 14 days and you have no symptoms:
The advice is clear that you should self-isolate for a period of 14 days to ensure that you are free of the illness. This means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people, avoiding work, school and other public areas, avoiding visitors to your homes, and avoiding using public transport and taxis.
In Guernsey, if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath you should phone your GP or the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, the Infection Prevention and Control Team or Public Health Services (all available through the Princess Elizabeth Hospital switchboard on 01481 725241). In Jersey, call your GP and explain any symptoms and recent travel or contact the out of hours GP service on 01534 445445.
If you have returned from mainland China in the last 14 days and you are feeling unwell:
If you have returned from an affected area in the last 14 days and have a fever, cough or shortness of breath seek immediate medical advice and attention.
In Guernsey, contact your GP or the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, the Infection Prevention and Control Team or Public Health Services (all available through the Princess Elizabeth Hospital switchboard on 01481 725241). In Jersey, you are asked to contact your GP or the out of hours service and explain your symptoms and recent travel.
You are asked to phone ahead before attending any island hospital or healthcare provider and not to visit announced. If you are very unwell and need an ambulance, phone 999 and tell them your symptoms and travel history.
If you are due to travel to mainland China, you are advised to cancel or postpone your trip. However, if it is essential that you travel to an affected area, the following advice applies:
Hand washing. Frequent and careful handwashing is one of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infection. If soap, clean water and towels are not available, alcohol hand rub can be used. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean.
Contact. Avoid close contact contact with people who appear unwell and their personal items.
Animals. Avoid contact with animals and the places where they are present, for example, bird/animal markets, commercial or backyard farms. Also avoid contact with sick or dead animals or birds.
Food. Do not eat uncooked or undercooked poultry or meat. All meat and poultry, including eggs, must be thoroughly cooked.
Medical attention. If you become unwell with a fever, cough or difficulty with breathing, promptly seek out medical attention. Do not wait until you get home.
The local situation:
All island residents are advised to take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. These include avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick who has travelled to an affected area; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based sanitiser; and following good hygiene packages such as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using tissues only once and disposing of tissues promptly and carefully.
Banners setting out the information regarding coronavirus will also be on display at Jersey Airport and Elizabeth Harbour, while advice for patients will be on display in GP surgeries and in the hospital’s emergency department.
For further information and for daily updates as the situation evolves, visit the following websites:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office
